Viral videos trigger discussion and misconceptions about substance use disorder

Plus, a case report generated conversation about psilocybin’s potential benefits for people with Alzheimer’s.

Recent videos showing substance use in Philadelphia sparked widespread conversation about whether substance use disorder is a “choice” or a chronic medical condition. Meanwhile, a case report describing a woman whose Alzheimer’s symptoms improved after taking mushrooms containing the hallucinogen psilocybin prompted conversation about the drug’s therapeutic potential. Plus, the “Benadryl Challenge” on social media and subsequent health advisory led some commenters to downplay the risks of taking more than the recommended dose of diphenhydramine.

In light of these conversations, communicators may share information on reducing stigma toward people with SUD, explain current laws related to psilocybin, and outline the risks of medication misuse, including misuse of over-the-counter medications.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use

This month, a social media influencer with more than 3 million Facebook followers shared a series of videos chronicling substance use in Philadelphia. The videos include footage of people in public who appear to be under the influence of drugs or unconscious, and one video had received over 42 million views as of June 16. Many commenters expressed sadness and urged others to recognize people with SUD as humans, describing SUD as a chronic medical condition. Others argued that people “choose” drug use and do not deserve help.

On May 27, Frontiers in Neuroscience published a case report on a woman with Alzheimer’s who regained some of her speech, memories, and motor function after taking one five-gram dose of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The researchers noted that the findings “do not imply disease reversal” but suggested that psilocybin may help people with Alzheimer’s temporarily access some lost cognitive and physical function. Over the past two weeks, social media users across platforms celebrated the study, with some posts receiving millions of views as of June 16. Most commenters expressed hope that more psilocybin studies could help researchers develop an effective Alzheimer’s treatment. Many also advocated for the federal legalization of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, with some citing research that psilocybin could help treat depression and substance use disorder. This discussion adds to an April conversation about an executive order to expedite research into psilocybin and similar drugs.

On June 12, America’s Poison Centers issued an advisory about increasing diphenhydramine misuse among teens. The advisory noted that in 2026, calls to poison centers involving teens and diphenhydramine are more than double what they were at this time last year. Articles reporting on the advisory warned that the rise in teen diphenhydramine misuse may be linked to the “the Benadryl Challenge,” a social media trend that reemerged this year in which teens take dangerous amounts of diphenhydramine to experience a “high” or hallucinations. Some social media users discussing the advisory urged social media platforms to remove “Benadryl Challenge” videos, warning that taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to seizures and heart problems. Others downplayed the risks of diphenhydramine misuse and encouraged others to take more than the recommended dose to experience a “high.”

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Recommendations for public health professionals

The Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.

Graphic displays of substance use can reinforce or worsen stigmatizing attitudes toward people with SUD. Messaging may encourage audiences to view people with SUD with empathy and recognize that recovery is possible. Communicators may also highlight local treatment and harm reduction programs; recirculate information about naloxone, a medication anyone can use to reverse an opioid overdose; and share guidance on using person-first, nonstigmatizing language when discussing substance use. Messaging that emphasizes support, treatment, and recovery may help counter stigmatizing attitudes, promote understanding, and connect people with SUD to care.

Continued conversation about new psilocybin research may generate questions about its risks and potential benefits. Communicators may note that while some research shows that it may help treat depression and SUD, the drug is currently classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency, meaning it does not have a currently accepted medical use and has the potential for misuse. Additionally, using psilocybin is illegal in most states. Messaging may explain that taking psilocybin can lead to risky behavior, like dangerous driving, and cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and confusion. Messaging may encourage people seeking treatment for any physical or mental health condition or SUD to talk to a health care provider about the safest, most effective options for them. Communicators may want to direct people to SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which connects people to mental health and SUD treatment resources.

Social media trends encouraging drug misuse put teens at risk for serious harm.Tailored messaging for teens may explain that even though Benadryl is available over the counter, improper doses can lead to serious complications like hallucinations, seizures, heart problems, and loss of consciousness. Messaging for parents and caregivers can encourage keeping all medications locked away from children and teens and talking to teens openly about the risks of misusing medications. Directing people to contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of poisoning or medication misuse is recommended.